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Classroom Guitar Diary – Guitar Sub Plan

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Read More about Classroom Guitar Diary – Guitar Sub Plan about Classroom Guitar Diary – Guitar Sub Plan
Classroom Guitar Diary – Guitar Sub Plan
The big question… What do I do with a sub? You could pop in a movie… But, I know that when kids come to my room, they expect to play instruments. Also, there are a ton of resources out there that can instruct anyone to do anything. So, here are some options for you… Our district has purchased eMedia Guitar Method. This program has quite a bit of instruction and videos that can be helpful to students…there are even activated necks that go with the songs if you wish. If you have iPads you might be interested in an app […]

Read More about Classroom Guitar Diary – Guitar Sub Plan

January 27, 2026
Read More about The End of Noodling or Take Back Your Guitar Class about The End of Noodling or Take Back Your Guitar Class
The End of Noodling or Take Back Your Guitar Class
When a student has an instrument in their hands, they want to use it. However, making “unwanted” sound can be distracting, slow down a class, and if I hear the lick from “Sweet Child of Mine” one more time, I’m gonna….. It’s important to take noodling in stride, but it’s also important to put an end to it quickly. That’s why we put together the ultimate guide to ending noodling in your classroom guitar program. If you ask a bunch of people the same question, you’ll get a bunch of different answers. Here’s what our experts had to say about […]

Read More about The End of Noodling or Take Back Your Guitar Class

January 27, 2026
Read More about 7 To-Do’s Before the June about 7 To-Do’s Before the June
7 To-Do’s Before the June
You’re just about there! The school year is coming to a close soon, your guitar class is ending, and you and your students are thinking about relaxing in the sun. That’s all good, but don’t check out just yet. Before you head for the beach, check out these 5 things you must do before the end of the year. 1. Retention Strategy Be sure to tell your guitar students to sign up for classroom guitar next year. This will keep them playing music and keep you looking indispensable in the eyes of your administration. If […]

Read More about 7 To-Do’s Before the June

January 27, 2026
Read More about Classroom Guitar Diary – Review Time about Classroom Guitar Diary – Review Time
Classroom Guitar Diary – Review Time
Review Time! It’s week 8! I was the preparation for the BIG unit test! Of course, it also was the week our students took the Terra Nova test. I don’t know about you but, I know our kids can be a little crazy these days! I think it’s because of sitting in a chair for hours on end… in silence! By the end of the day, they just want to play! I can oblige. A quick tuning and then let’s get busy with a review of our C, G, D, Em, and G7 chords. I let students choose what songs […]

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January 27, 2026
Read More about 3 Super Simple Music Theory Concepts for Guitar Students about 3 Super Simple Music Theory Concepts for Guitar Students
3 Super Simple Music Theory Concepts for Guitar Students
It’s time these guitar students learn music theory. Life can’t just be about noodling and trying to figure out, Smoke on the Water. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone – we agree. However, it might surprise you to learn that teaching music theory on guitar is just about the easiest thing in the world. That’s because guitar is so Shape and Pattern driven. Check out these three fundamental concepts that will have your kids on point with music theory before you can sing, Doe a Dear. Major Scales You can teach the major scale as “W W H […]

Read More about 3 Super Simple Music Theory Concepts for Guitar Students

January 27, 2026
Read More about The End Is Near – Time for End-of-the-School-Year Chores about The End Is Near – Time for End-of-the-School-Year Chores
The End Is Near – Time for End-of-the-School-Year Chores
Just like your students, you are counting the days until the last final exam is taken and those sweet guitarists are on their way to summer! In our district it is very difficult to keep the momentum up during the last month of school. The first major interruption was A.P. Tests, immediately followed by S.O. L (Standards of Learning) tests; then followed by Senior Final Exams. For weeks you have not had a full class so moving forward is compromised with all the make-up work you have to provide for the students who missed class for testing. The calendar has […]

Read More about The End Is Near – Time for End-of-the-School-Year Chores

January 27, 2026
Read More about 4 Sites That Will Make You a Better Guitar Teacher about 4 Sites That Will Make You a Better Guitar Teacher
4 Sites That Will Make You a Better Guitar Teacher
You’re a classroom guitar teacher and you’re having trouble planning lessons. Maybe your kids are getting better on guitar faster than you. You want to stay ahead of the curve, but when would you have time to take lessons and where would you find money in the budget? Don’t despair. There are awesome resources out there for you. There are gurus who have short and smart video tutorials designed to make you better and sites with tons of free music. Here are some resources for you. Introduction to Guitar Taught by Thaddeus Hogarth, associate professor at Berklee College of Music, […]

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January 27, 2026
Read More about Pitching Guitar Class: A Look at the Numbers about Pitching Guitar Class: A Look at the Numbers
Pitching Guitar Class: A Look at the Numbers
With tight and fluctuating school budgets, it can feel like an impossible mission to pitch a new idea. This is especially true of arts programming, as music educators know. Interested in starting a guitar program at your school? One way is to sell the powers-that-be on the bottom line: it’s just plain cheaper than other music programs…much! Feel free to use the supporting evidence below: Single instrument cost comparison – Cost of one new 3-valve tuba: $3,000-$8,000 – Cost of one new guitar: $100-$300So for the cost of just one tuba, you can supply an entire guitar class with instruments […]

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January 27, 2026
Read More about Bill Burke’s Sooper-Dooper Warm Up about Bill Burke’s Sooper-Dooper Warm Up
Bill Burke’s Sooper-Dooper Warm Up
Here’s a warm-up routine that works great in the classroom; private lessons; or individual practice. I have also used this in the Teaching Guitar Workshops. In a matter of less than four minutes, this exercise can be performed with great benefit. Some of the things achieved in this exercise include finger independence, coordination of right and left hands; rhythmic practice against a metronome and playing every note on every string on the neck. Many variations of this exercise are possible to challenge all levels. Can you think of a sport or activity that does not benefit from a disciplined pre-activity […]

Read More about Bill Burke’s Sooper-Dooper Warm Up

January 27, 2026
Read More about Classroom Guitar Diary – Week 6 about Classroom Guitar Diary – Week 6
Classroom Guitar Diary – Week 6
Week 6…Tuning and Review It’s about time the students know at least a little about tuning a guitar. Spring Break is around the corner and they will be taking trips, trying out their guitar skills at Grandma’s on Mom’s OLD guitar. It needs to be in tune. This week’s exercise took longer than expected. I had planned on moving on in the “Guitar for Kids” book. Best laid plans… Review the Test I gave students back their tests from last week. They really were pretty happy with their scores and understood what they had problems with. Remember the biggest mistake […]

Read More about Classroom Guitar Diary – Week 6

January 27, 2026
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